ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Education
MoS for Education Smt. Annpurna Devi and MoS for Education Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh address the valedictory funtion of Kala Utsav 2021
Minister of State for Education, Smt. Annpurna Devi and Minister of State for Education Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh today addressed the valedictory function of Kala Utsav 2021. Kala Utsav 2021 was launched online on January 1, 2022 through a digital platform. A total of 35 teams have participated in Kala Utsav 2021, from different states, union territories, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti schools where 582 students demonstrated their talent. Out of these participants, 291 girls and 291 boys participated in Kala Utsav 2021 including 5 Divyang participants.
Addressing the function, Smt Annpurna Devi said that Kala Utsav realises the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. She congratulated all the participants and the organisers for putting up such enthralling performances virtually, in the odd circumstances this year, an achievement unimaginable till two years back. The Minister expressed her happiness that the unanimous participation of all the states with unparalleled enthusiasm proved once again that India is an epitome of Unity and Diversity. She stated that when the entire world including India was struggling to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, India has introduced a number of important reforms, the National Education Policy 2020 being one of the most important. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the promotion of arts and culture through education and Kala Utsav 2021 also incorporates the suggestions of the National Education Policy 2020.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Singh said that Kala Utsav gives an opportunity to enhance the students' reasoning, problem solving, cognitive and decisive abilities, which are helpful in the all-round development of the student.He further said that Kala Utsav promotes the Prime Minister’s vision "Vocal for Local". It inspires indigenous arts to create a global identity and provides students with opportunities to present local or traditional art forms on the national stage, he added.
The National Kala Utsav was launched by the National Council of Educational Research and Training and the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, in 2015, under the leadership of the Prime Minister of India. In Kala Utsav, students from all the schools of the country are invited first at the district level, then at the state level and finally at the national level to compete in different categories in front of an esteemed jury consisting of 27 members from different genres of art, each an expert in their own field.
In the competitions of Kala Utsav 2021 organised from 1 to 12 January 2022, a total of nine art forms, namely — 1. Vocal Music - Classical 2. Vocal Music – Traditional Folk 3. Instrumental Music - Classical 4. Instrumental Music - Traditional Folk 5. Dance - Classical 6. Dance - Folk 7. Visual Arts Two - dimensional 8. Visual Arts Three - dimensional 9. Indigenous Toys and Games were included.
Ministry of Defence
Territorial Army Troops celebrate 72nd Raising Day
Pune, 9 October 2020
Territorial Army  since inception on 09 October 1948, as "Citizens Army", has come a long way and played a major role in assisting Regular Army as Second line of defence in times of war, by guarding Vantage Areas including Critical Ammunition installations. The TA soldier has always been recognised as multi-skilled and talented candidate, and his contribution has increased manifold over the years. TA has participated in all Wars since independence, later many TA Air Defence and Artillery were converted into Regular Army Units owing to their battle skills.
On the occasion of "72ND Raising Day of Territorial Army on 09 October 2020, Lieutenant General CP Mohanty, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Command extends warm wishes to all serving & veteran TA officers, Junior Commission Officers, soldiers, and families in Southern Comd Zone.
The Southern Command Zone extending from Kerala to Gujarat & Andaman consists of thirteen Infantry TA battalions, that have their permanent locations in Kannur, Coimbatore, Belgaum, Kolhapur, Pune etc, they not only provide Rear Area Security, but also assist in Flood Relief & Aid to Civil Authorities, when called for, even while bulk of the unit is embodied in State of Kashmir and North Eastern region for security tasks. The two Ecological TA units fully focus on afforestation task in arid region of Marathwada in Maharashtra, and in Rajasthan deserts along Indira Gandhi canal. The Four departmental TAs  are ever ready for ESMA & Operational tasks in times of crisis. Thus, Terriers are a multifaceted and skilled combat force engaged in diverse roles contributing to Indian Army and Nation building.PIB Pune-M.Iyengar/D.Rane
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Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with Prime Minister of Norway
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Mr. Jonas Gahr Store, Prime Minister of Norway, in Copenhagen on the sidelines of the 2nd India Nordic Summit. This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the assumption of office by Prime Minister Store in October 2021.
Both Prime Ministers reviewed the ongoing activities in bilateral relations and discussed future areas of cooperation. Prime Minister highlighted that Norway's skills and India's scope provided natural complementarities. Both leaders discussed the potential for deepening engagement in areas like Blue Economy, renewable energy, green hydrogen, solar and wind projects, green shipping, fisheries, water management, rainwater harvesting, space cooperation, long term Infrastructure investment, health and culture.
Discussions also took place on regional and global developments. As members of UNSC, India and Norway have been engaging with each other in the UN on global issues of mutual interest.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Cabinet approvesHeadquarters  Agreement between India and the International Solar Alliance
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for entering into Headquarters  Agreement between India and the International Solar Alliance  and authorizing the Ministry of External Affairs for signing the Headquarter Agreement. The Agreement was signed on 26th March, 2018.
The Headquarters Agreement will institutionalize the functional arrangements between India and ISA. It will help in smooth transition of ISA as international inter-governmental organization. Creation of ISA will lead to accelerated solar technology development and deployment in ISA member countries including India.
Ministry of Finance
In order to review the relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken by the Banks and Insurance Companies in the State of Keralain view of the large scale devastation caused by the recent floods in the State, a High Level Delegation led by the Minister of State, Pon. Radhakrishnan will visit Kerala tomorrow
A High Level delegation led by the Union Minister of State, Pon. Radhakrishnan will visit Kerala tomorrow and review the relief measuresand rehabilitation effortsbeing undertaken by the Banks and Insurance Companies in the State of Kerala in the light of the large scale devastation caused by the recent floods in the State.
The delegation would comprise of senior officers from the Central Government including the Additional. Secretary, Shri Debashish Panda and Economic Advisor, Shri N. Srinivasa Rao from the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. Chairman and Managing Directors from the Public Sector Banks  and Insurance Companies including Agriculture Insurance Co. of India Ltd., and NABARD would also be present in the meeting along with the senior officers from the State Government and other concerned agencies.
Various relief measures pertaining to re-opening of all submerged/flood affected Bank branches and ATMs, exchange of Soiled / mutilated / defective currency and extension of loan repayment period etc have already been initiated by all the Banks. All Insurance Companies have also started processing various flood related claims to ensure expeditious settlement. They have already established Special Camp Offices, deployed additional Surveyors and waived document requirements etc. for speedier claims payment so that quick relief is ensured to the affected people.
Widespread publicity is being given about the various relief measures being undertaken, about setting-up of Facilitation Centres and appointment of Nodal Officers in the vernacular newspapers/electronic media for ensuring that maximum relief benefits are availed by the affected population.
Special Service and Features
Yoga Helps in Physical Fitness as well as Spiritual Upliftment : Governor Arif Mohammad Khan
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan stated that yoga not only helps individuals achieve physical fitness but also offers a path to attain mental calmness and spiritual upliftment. He was addressing the International Day of Yoga 2023 programme at Rajbhavan, Thiruvananthapuram. The event was organised by the Central Bureau of Communication under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in coordination with Kerala Rajbhavan. Governor Khan said that yoga enables an individual to train their mind and channel it towards service. He urged the students to train their minds to serve society. He also stated that where there is a union of wisdom and action, there lies success, prosperity, and happiness.
The aim of the programme was to promote the significance and numerous benefits of yoga, encouraging individuals to adopt a holistic approach towards their physical and mental well-being. The theme of this year's International Day of Yoga is "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam". The event included a live yoga demonstration session with the students of Christ Nagar Central School, Thiruvananthapuram.
The Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Davendra Kumar Dhodawat, and the Additional Director General  PIB & CBC, Shri V Palanichami, also addressed the event.
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Ministry of Textiles
Supply of Quality Raw Materials for Promotion of Handloom
Raw Material Supply Scheme is being implemented throughout the country to make available Yarn to Handloom weavers at reasonable price. Under the Scheme, freight charges are reimbursed for all types of yarn; and component of 15% price subsidy is there for cotton hank yarn, domestic silk, wool and linen yarn and blended yarn of natural fibres, with quantity caps. National Handloom Development Corporation, State Governments through Commissioner/Director of Handlooms & Textiles, Apex Societies and State Handloom Corporations under the direct control & supervision of the State Governments are implementing agencies. Dyes & Chemicals of desired quality are also made available by National Handloom Development Corporation to handloom weavers through a network of depots and warehouses.
Skill upgradation is a continuous process. Need based skill up-gradation programme for handloom workers in technical areas viz. weaving, dyeing, designing etc. are conducted under SAMARTH- Capacity Building in Textile Sector including Handlooms.
This information was given by The Minister of State for Textiles Smt. DarshanaJardoshin a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Election Commission
ECI to host virtual Asian Regional Forum meet on “Making our Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative”
Asian Regional Forum meet is a precursor to “Global Summit for Democracy” to be hosted by the National Electoral Institute of Mexico
Five Regional Forums for America, Africa, Asia, Europe and North Africa & Middle East created as part of Global Summit for Democracy
The Election Commission of India will be hosting a virtual meet of the ‘Asian Regional Forum’ on the theme “Making our Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative” at Nirvachan Sadan on August 11, 2022. This Regional Forum meet is precursor to the “Global Summit for Democracy'' to be hosted by the National Electoral Institute of Mexico in the coming month. The Global Summit and Regional Forum meets aims to generate synergy amongst international organizations, electoral bodies from the world and to promote intellectual and institutional mobilization to strengthen electoral democracy in the world.
Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Rajiv Kumar, and Election Commissioner, Shri Anup Chandra Pandey, will preside over the Asian Regional Forum meet. The meet will have participation from Election Management Bodies of Mexico, Mauritius, Philippines, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Maldives and Representatives from International IDEA, Association of World Election Bodies  and International Foundation for Electoral Systems .
This Asian Regional Forum  meet has two sessions. The first session is on ‘Inclusive Elections: Enhancing Participation of Youth, Gender and Citizens in Remote Areas’ which will be co-chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner from Mauritius and Nepal. The session will have representation from COMELEC Philippines and representatives from International IDEA and A-WEB.
The second session on ‘Accessible Elections: Enhancing Participation of Persons with Disabilities & Senior Citizens’ will be chaired by the Commissioner, COMELEC, Philippines and CEC of Uzbekistan and will have representation from Election Commission of Nepal & Maldives and IFES .
As part of this ‘Global Summit for Democracy’, five Regional Forums namely Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and countries of the Arab States have been created. India is hosting the Asian Regional Forum meet of the EMBs not only to institutionalize and mobilize the EMBs as a precursor to “Global Summit for Democracy'' but also to reflect upon the changing geo-politics, emerging technologies and their use in election management in view of the challenges presented by COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes from the Regional Forum Meets is aimed at generating an action plan and agenda to strengthen democracy around the world, particularly through robust election processes. So far, three Regional Forum meets for Europe, America and Africa have been held in the months of June and July, 2022.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to helicopter crash in Uttarakhand
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to helicopter crash in Uttarakhand.
The Prime Minister Office tweeted;
"Anguished by the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families: PM @narendramodi"
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES THE 37TH STATEHOOD DAY CELEBRATIONS OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH AND ATTENDS CIVIC RECEPTION HOSTED IN HER HONOUR BY THE GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the 37th Statehood Day celebrations of Arunachal Pradesh and attended the civic reception hosted in her honour by the State Government at Itanagar today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that being the largest state in the North-Eastern Region in terms of area as well as being a border state, Arunachal Pradesh is a very important state from strategic and geographical point of view. Good infrastructure is essential for national security and economic development of the state. She was happy to note that the Central Government has approved schemes worth more than rupees 44,000 crore for the development of National Highway Infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. She said that Arunachal Pradesh has become a power surplus state with the commissioning of 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station. She expressed confidence that the recently inaugurated all weather Donyi Polo Airport would improve the connectivity of the State and also give a boost to trade and tourism.
The President said that the development of any society cannot be inclusive without the development of women. She was happy to note that about 47 percent representatives of Panchayats in Arunachal Pradesh are women. She said that women of Arunachal Pradesh are getting success in every field. She expressed confidence that women from across the country would take inspiration from women such as Anshu Jamsenpa who is the first woman to summit Mount Everest twice in five days and Tage Rita Takhe who is promoting women's participation in enterprise and taking local agro based products of Arunachal Pradesh to the international market.
The President said that in India, the first rays of the Sun fall on Arunachal Pradesh. The different tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, their cultural heritage, their unity in diversity, inspire all of us. It can be said that the society of Arunachal Pradesh is the microcosm of India.
The President said that enriched with mountains, dense forests, lakes, waterfalls and flora and fauna, this state is a rich biodiversity zone. She was happy to note that the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has adopted the “Pakke Declaration” to meet the challenges of climate change and conserve biodiversity. She was also happy to note that drone technology is being used by the state government for agriculture, horticulture, health services and environment protection. She said these are important steps for environment conservation.
The President said that the entire North Eastern Region, including Arunachal Pradesh, is playing an important role in India's development. She was happy to note that several meetings of the G-20 are also being held in the North Eastern states. She was confident that these meetings would give a boost to the culture and tourism of the North Eastern states and generate investment opportunities in the Region.
Please click here to see the President's Speech -
Ministry of Law and Justice
Aadhaar As The Prime Authenticator Of Voter ID
The Minister of Law and Justice, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today informed that the process of purification of electoral roll is an ongoing process and involves various stakeholders including political parties, at every stage starting from enrolment of voters, amendment in the roll to effect material changes by virtue of change of residence, marriage, etc. In the process, the electoral registration officer relies upon various documents and undertakes physical verification and also disposes objections, if any. The Election Laws  Act, 2021 inter-alia envisaged that the electoral registration officer may also require the Aadhaar number for the purposes of authentication of entries in electoral roll. Therefore, Aadhaar is only one of several documents for authentication and identification for the purposes of purifying the electoral rolls.
According to the Election Commission of India, with regard to persons enrolled on Voter ID database, as per the final publication of electoral roll as on 01.01.2023, the total number of persons enrolled were 94,50,25,694. Another information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
Ministry of Defence
PRESIDENT’S STANDARD AWARDED TO 22ND MISSILE VESSEL SQUADRON
Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Hon'ble President of India, awarded the President’s Standard to the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron, also known as the Killers Squadron of the Indian Navy, at an impressive ceremonial parade held at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 08 Dec 21. A special day cover and a commemorative stamp produced by the postal department were released to mark the occasion.
The ceremony was attended by Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra, Admiral R Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command and several other civilian and military dignitaries.
The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron is based at Mumbai and comprises missile vessels Prabal, Pralaya, Nashak, Nishank, Vipul, Vibhuti, Vinash and Vidyut.
The Killers Squadron traces its genesis to the 1971 War when Osa I class missile boats, newly inducted into the Indian Navy from the erstwhile USSR, participated in Operations Trident and Python that were decisive in enabling the Indian Navy dominate operations in the Arabian Sea. The attacks on Pakistan naval units and Karachi harbour during the two operations effectively nullified the Pakistan Navy’s war-waging potential and earned these missile vessels the sobriquet ‘Killers’.
The year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the victory in 1971 War and is also the 50th year of the Killers Squadron. The Squadron remains at the forefront of India’s seaward defence on the Western seaboard.
The President’s Standard ceremony witnessed an immaculately conducted ceremonial parade that began with the naval armed guard presenting a salute of arms to the President and was followed by the presentation of the Standard. The ceremony concluded with a Continuity Drill performance by naval personnel and an operational demonstration by MARCOS and naval helicopters.
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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Prakash Javadekar to start campaign to spread awareness about environment protection
Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar is set to start a drive for to promote awareness about environmental protection. He will plant a sapling at Prayavaran Bhawan Complex in New Delhi tomorrow on the occasion of World Environment Day. In this endeavour, he will be joined by renowned cricketer Shri Kapil Dev, famous actor Shri Jackie Shroff and acclaimed folk singer Ms. Malini Awasthi.
Earlier today, Shri Javadekar launched a people’s campaign #SelfiewithSapling urging all to join and plant a sapling and post the selfie with the sapling on social media. He stressed that ‘Jan Bhagidari’ is integral towards tackling the environmental issues and environment protection has to be a people’s movement.
He will also plant a sapling in the premises of Films Division in Mumbai on 6th June. Top celebrities from the Film Industry are expected to attend the event in order to spread the message of sustainability and the significance of reducing carbon footprint.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
186.51cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at11,558
Active cases standat 0.03%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.76%
954recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,25,08,788
1,150new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
83.18cr Total Tests conducted so far; 3,65,118tests conducted in the last 24 hours
President's Secretariat
Prime Minister of Nepal Calls on the President
Rt. Hon’ble Mr K. P. Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister of Nepal, called on the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
Welcoming Mr Oli to India, the President said he was happy to note that this was his first visit abroad after his appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal. The President said that India holds him in the highest regard for his leadership and contribution to advancing the cause of India-Nepal partnership. We are confident that under his wise leadership, Nepal will chart a new course of rapid socio-economic transformation for its people.
The President said that no other countries in the world have the bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between India and Nepal. We are bound together not only by a shared geography but by history, culture, civilisation and close people to people and familial ties. Regular exchanges of visits at the highest political level between the two countries demonstrate the priority that we attach to our special partnership. India abiding interest is in the stability and economic prosperity of Nepal. We wish to take forward our relationship on the basis of goodwill, mutual trust and mutual benefit.
The President said that India values its economic and development partnership with Nepal. India stands ready to expand cooperation with Nepal as per Nepal’s priorities. We believe that enhanced connectivity between our countries will boost our economic growth and benefit our citizens.